FAQ - Laser hair removal
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about laser hair removal for you here. Below the questions you will find short, concise answers to the most important topics.
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal frees you from constant shaving, epilating or waxing. Laser hair removal is permanent and allows you to concentrate on the important things in life. The treatment uses laser light that is absorbed by the hair pigment melanin. Spread over several laser treatments, the hair roots are damaged so that the hair can no longer grow back. Your skin is not damaged during the treatment.
Am I suitable for laser hair removal?
Almost all men and women who suffer from excess body hair can benefit from the treatment. For people with a big difference between hair and skin colour, laser hair removal works best. Although treatment is suitable for all skin types, it is unfortunately not suitable for all hair types. For a successful treatment, the hair must have sufficient pigment. Hair with insufficient pigment, such as grey, blonde and reddish hair, can sometimes not be treated.
What does laser hair removal mean?
The treatment is quick and takes no longer than ten minutes to an hour on average. This depends on the size of the area to be treated. To protect your eyes from the light, you will wear special glasses during the treatment. The laser is aimed at the pigment in your hair. Several treatments are often necessary to achieve an optimal result. The treatment is not usually painful. At most, there may be a slightly unpleasant sensation.
What can I expect after laser hair removal?
In the first few minutes after laser hair removal, the treated area of your skin may become red and swollen. This is a natural reaction to the heat and energy emitted by the laser. It is a temporary reaction that will disappear without further ado. To reduce the occurrence of this reaction, the skin is cooled. One to two weeks after the treatment, you will see the treated hair growing out of your skin. It is possible to shave these hairs.
What results can I expect from laser hair removal?
Several laser treatments are required for permanent hair removal. Natural hair growth takes place in three phases. At the time of treatment, not all of the Hair follicle in the same phase. For example, some hair follicles may be in the growth phase while others are in the transition or resting phase. Laser treatment only affects hair follicles that are in the growth phase. These hair follicles contain sufficient melanin for the laser to absorb. It takes several treatments to deactivate hair follicles in the growth phase. There is an average rest period of six to eight weeks between treatments.
Can I influence the result of laser hair removal?
After the laser treatment, there are a number of things you can pay attention to in order to avoid discomfort. You should not apply any products other than cooling gel or a sunscreen with a high SPF to the treated skin. You can gently wash the treated skin, but avoid rough rubbing and scrubbing. In addition, it is not advisable to expose the treated area to the sun or the rays of a solarium in the two weeks following treatment. Hair in the treated area may be shaved. However, do not go waxing between treatments. Try to let the skin rest as much as possible.
Is laser hair removal painful?
Laser hair removal is not perceived as painful by most people. There may be an unpleasant tingling sensation. However, some patients find this more painful than others. Certain areas of the body are more sensitive than others. But here too, patients' perceptions differ.
What are the advantages of laser hair removal?
The treatment is quick, virtually painless and the result is permanent.
Are there any disadvantages to laser hair removal?
Several treatments are necessary to achieve a lasting result. In addition, depending on the pigmentation of your hair, not everyone is suitable for treatment.
Does laser hair removal take place under anaesthetic?
Laser hair removal is performed without anaesthetic. Patients find the treatment unpleasant to slightly painful. During the treatment, your skin is cooled with cold air so that the treatment is easy to endure. Some patients describe the feeling as if a rubber band is pulsating against the skin.
How does laser hair removal work?
Before the treatment begins, photos are taken of the treatment area. The ideal amount of laser energy is then tested and the laser is adjusted to you. Your eyes are protected with special glasses during the procedure. Depending on the area to be treated, the treatment takes between ten minutes and an hour.
When is the effect of laser hair removal optimal?
Your hair follicles are weakened and destroyed with each treatment. After an average of three to four treatments, you will notice "bald" patches on your skin. When the optimum result is achieved varies from person to person and depends on the treatment area. During the consultation, the doctor will inform you of the number of treatments required.
What are the costs of laser hair removal?
The cost of the treatment depends on the treatment area. A treatment at the Acura medical centre starts at €50. In a free and non-binding consultation, you will receive a treatment proposal with an exact cost overview.
Is it possible to cover the costs of laser hair removal?
Your health insurance company can tell you exactly whether you are entitled to reimbursement. The treatment may be reimbursed in full or in part by your supplementary health insurance. You should contact your insurance company about this. Sometimes the health insurance company requires a referral from your GP or a specialist. For example, facial hair is often fully reimbursed.
What are the risks of laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is considered a safe treatment that does not harbour any serious complications. The prerequisite is that you are treated by an experienced specialist with the right equipment. We have the best equipment for laser hair removal. After the treatment, the treated area may become red and swollen. This is a natural reaction that will disappear after a few hours. In some cases, there may be partial or complete discolouration of the skin. The skin then becomes lighter (hypopigmentation) or darker (hyperpigmentation). This discolouration is usually of a temporary nature. In some cases, the doctor will recommend postponing the follow-up treatment to a later date.
Is laser hair removal dangerous?
Laser hair removal is a safe treatment. The technology and devices have been specially developed for laser hair removal and have hardly any side effects. The heat emitted can lead to a temporary shift in pigmentation. Permanent hair removal with the laser has the positive side effect of improving the skin structure.
Which areas of the body can be treated with laser hair removal?
Almost allAreasof the body with dark hair can be treated with a laser. Only the areas around the eyes and in the ear cannot be treated. There is a risk of tissue damage here.
Can ingrown hairs also be treated?
Ingrown hairs can be treated excellently with a laser. If the hair follicle is not inflamed, it is permanently destroyed with the help of the laser. You will never have to suffer from ingrown hairs again.
Does laser hair removal work the same for men and women?
In principle, laser hair removal has the same effect on men and women. However, the colour and amount of hair often differs between men and women. This can also be reflected in the treatment.
Can I prepare myself for laser hair removal?
During the consultation, you will learn how you can best prepare for the treatment. We advise you not to epilate or wax before the treatment. You should also avoid going to the solarium for 6 to 8 weeks before the treatment and avoid long-term exposure to the sun. You are allowed to shave your hair before the treatment. By shaving, the heat emitted reaches the hair roots faster and the treatment is more effective. Try to relax before and during the treatment. You will hardly notice the tingling sensation.
When should you start with laser hair removal?
Your skin should not come into contact with sunlight and UV radiation for six weeks before and a few weeks after the treatment. If you like travelling in the sun during the summer months, treatment in summer is not ideal. If this is the case, you should consider treatment between October and June. Are you not a sun lover? Then you can opt for treatment during the sunny summer months.
Are there any contraindications for laser hair removal?
You can find out whether you are suitable for treatment during the consultation. Contraindications may include epilepsy, sun allergy, malignant moles, an infectious disease, tattoos in the treatment area and the use of certain medications. If this is the case, the doctor can suggest alternative treatments.
Why does a counselling session take place?
A consultation is important in order to carry out the optimum treatment for you. The medical centreAcurawelcomes you for an initial consultation. During the consultation, the laser hair removal technique will be explained to you. We will also discuss the risks and side effects of the treatment, as well as your current state of health and medical history. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions and express your expectations of the treatment. After examining your skin, the skin therapist will recommend a range of laser treatments and you will receive a detailed cost overview.
Can I shave my hair during the treatment period?
Yes, the hair can be shaved during the entire treatment period. It is only important that you do not wax, epilate or use a depilatory cream during this time. The reason is that you will damage the hair follicles which need to be intact for a successful treatment.
How often do I have to come for treatment?
On average, 6 to 8 treatments are required to achieve the desired result.
How much time should there be between two treatments?
On average, there are 6 to 8 weeks between two treatments.
Can I lie in the sun or use a sunbed during the treatment period?
No, it is very important to avoid the sun during the treatment, as well as 6 weeks before and after the first and last treatment. If you want to go under the sunbed, you should use sun protection factor 50. This prevents a pigment shift in the skin.
Will the hair never grow back?
The destroyed hair follicles no longer produce new hair. However, it is possible that hair regrowth may occur under the influence of hormones such as pregnancy, menopause or the use of medication. However, this is usually quickly remedied with a touch-up treatment.
How quickly is a result visible?
The first results are usually noticeable very quickly. After 2 to 3 treatments, it is clearly visible that the hair is growing back more slowly. Your hair will become thinner and some hair will fall out. After each further treatment, the result becomes increasingly clear.
Is there a minimum age for laser hair removal?
There is no minimum age for laser hair removal. Up to the age of 18, a parent and/or carer must give written consent. A minor's body is still developing and permanent hair removal does not always achieve the desired result or effect. New hair may well grow after laser treatment.
Can laser hair removal be combined with sport?
Yes, it is possible to combine laser hair removal and sport. It is recommended to protect the treated areas from the sun for some time. You will receive instructions and advice from the specialist treating you.
Can laser hair removal be used on a tattoo?
The pigments contained in the tattoo devalue the laser treatment. The laser beams can damage the tattoo. A skin therapist can advise you on alternative treatment options.
Can I have laser hair removal carried out just before my summer holiday?
When planning laser hair removal, you should take planned holidays into account. Your skin should not be exposed to sunlight for the first two weeks after treatment. The skin needs to recover after the laser treatment. The treatment times can be planned with the help of the skin therapist.
Does the treatment have a visible effect?
Each treatment reduces hair growth. Even if you only have 1 or 2 treatments before your holiday, your hair will already be thinner and the hair density less. You can shave as usual between treatments. We advise against waxing or epilating.
Can I use a body lotion or self-tanning cream after the laser treatment?
The laser has an effect on your skin. You can use an aloe vera cream after the treatment to soothe the skin. Our skin therapists advise against using body lotions as they do not cool your skin. You should not use a self-tanning cream during the entire treatment.
Is laser hair removal also possible during pregnancy?
The change in hormone levels can cause your skin to react differently than normal. The results and effects of laser hair removal will then vary. If you are pregnant, we will check whether laser hair removal is a responsible treatment for you. If possible, consult your family doctor and/or midwife. They must give permission for the treatment. Ultimately, the skin therapist will decide whether the treatment can be continued or whether it is better to wait until after the pregnancy.
Is laser hair removal effective for blondes and/or redheads?
If your hair contains sufficient pigment, laser hair removal is an effective method of hair removal. Blonde and red hair lack this pigment. Hair removal using laser technology is therefore more difficult. The skin therapist can recommend an alternative treatment. During a test session, you can check whether your hair type is suitable for laser hair removal.
Are there alternatives to laser hair removal?
Excess and unwanted hair can be removed in various ways. The most common and temporary solutions are shaving, epilation and waxing. You can also opt for electric hair removal, in which a needle is inserted into the hair follicles. The heat released destroys the hair follicles. This method is permanent and successful. However, it is a treatment in which each hair is treated individually. For this reason, the treatment takes a very long time. This method is therefore not suitable for larger surfaces.
When can I start with laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is not tied to a specific period of time. If you want to spend a day at the beach, you should bear in mind that the treated skin should not be exposed to direct sunlight for the first two weeks after treatment. During laser hair removal, the affected area must not be waxed or epilated. Only shaving is permitted. Unfortunately, excessively tanned skin cannot be treated either.
Is laser hair removal safe?
Yes, laser hair removal is a safe and permanent cosmetic treatment. Make sure that the treatment takes place in a hygienic environment. Also choose an experienced and professional specialist.
I have been suffering from lumps under my skin since the laser hair removal. What can I do about this?
Immediately after the laser treatment, the skin may be reddened. If the skin is sensitive to very sensitive, slight swelling and even small lumps may occur. These lumps are not dangerous and usually disappear on their own. Occasionally, temporary bumps may appear alongside the lumps.
Is a consultation and laser test required before treatment?
Yes, both a consultation and a test are required for a complete laser treatment. This is done for your protection. Do you already have experience with laser hair removal? Tell us during the consultation. The test is carried out to determine your personal laser settings, rule out possible side effects and give you the opportunity to experience what laser treatment feels like.
Which parts of the body can be treated?
Laser hair removal is a safe treatment that is used on facial hair. Exceptions are the eyes and eyebrows. In addition, your armpits, underarms, upper arms, shoulders, legs, thighs, back, chest, bikini line and stomach can be treated with laser hair removal.
Is laser hair removal better than electrolysis?
Laser hair removal is a newer technology that makes it more comfortable to remove body hair. Electrolysis is an invasive, painful treatment in which the hair follicles are treated individually. It is a lengthy process that is not really suitable for larger areas. Laser hair removal is suitable for both small and large areas. The treatment is also suitable for hair removal on the back and/or legs. With electrolysis, this would often take years. With laser hair removal, you will be permanently rid of your hair after six to eight treatments.
Can laser hair removal burn my skin?
Before treatment, the laser system is customised to your personal circumstances. This also includes avoiding burns. Is your skin irritated after the treatment? Let the skin therapist know so that they can take this into account during the next treatment.
Any further questions?
Do you have any further questions about laser hair removal? You are welcome to contact us Contact us.
